Tachycardia
Tachycardia is the frequency of heart contractions more than normal A healthy person's heart rate at rest is 60-100 per minute In tachycardia, the heart rate is increased in the upper, lower or both chambers of the heart
The heartbeat is controlled by electrical signals Tachycardia develops when any pathology of the heart produces rapid electrical signals
In some cases, tachycardia does not cause symptoms or complications Sometimes tachycardia can interfere with the heart's normal function and increase the risk of stroke or sudden cardiac arrest or death.
As a result of treatment, it is possible to manage tachycardia and the diseases that cause it
Tachycardia is caused by pathologies that disturb the normal impulses of the heart Many conditions can cause abnormalities in the heart's electrical system These factors are:
- Damage to heart tissue due to heart disease
- Presence of abnormal impulse foci
- Heart disease or congenital pathology
- Anemia
- Exercise
- Sudden stress, such as fear
- High blood Electrolytes are needed to conduct electrical impulses
- Overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism)
In some cases, the cause of tachycardia cannot be determined.
Electrical system of the heart The heart consists of four cells: two upper cells (atria) and two lower ones (ventricles). The rhythm of the heart is controlled by the natural pacemaker (sinus node), which is located in the right atrium The sinus node generates electrical impulses that result in each heartbeat
Electrical impulses from the sinus node travel along the atria, causing the atria to contract and pump blood into the ventricles.
After the electrical impulses, it goes to the atrioventricular node, which is normally the only conduction path from the atria to the ventricles.
Atrioventricular node delays the impulse before sending it to the ventricles This delay helps the ventricles to fill completely When the electrical impulses reach the ventricular muscles, they contract and pump blood to the lungs or other parts of the body.
Forms of Tachycardia Tachycardia occurs when the heart beats faster than normal due to a problem with electrical signals. Frequent forms of tachycardia are:
- Atrial fibrillation Atrial fibrillation is a rapid heartbeat caused by chaotic electrical impulses in the atria. These impulses cause rapid, uncoordinated, weak atrial contractions
- Chaotic electrical signals overload the atrioventricular node, causing the ventricles to beat in an irregular, fast rhythm. Atrial fibrillation can be temporary, although some episodes require treatment
- Most people with atrial fibrillation have structural heart disease related to heart disease or high blood pressure Other factors that contribute to atrial fibrillation are valvular heart disease, hyperthyroidism, and excessive alcohol use
- Atrial flutter In atrial flutter, the atria contract very rapidly but regularly Atrial fibrillation is caused by a violation of the atrial conduction pathways
- A fast rhythm causes a weak contraction of the atria Rapid impulses in the atrioventricular node cause a rapid and sometimes irregular ventricular rhythm An episode of atrial flutter may go away on its own or require treatment
- People with atrial flutter also develop atrial fibrillation at some point in time.
- Supraventricular tachycardia Supraventricular tachycardia originates above the ventricles and is caused by abnormalities of the cardiac conduction pathways, which are often congenital and create overlapping signals.
- In one form of supraventricular tachycardia, the pathology of the atrioventricular node can split the electrical signal into two, one of which goes to the ventricle and the other to the atrium
- Another frequent pathology is the presence of an additional conduction path between the atria and ventricles, which bypasses the atrioventricular node. This can cause the signal to travel down one path and up the other An additional conduction pathway develops in Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
- Ventricular tachycardia Ventricular tachycardia is a rapid heart rhythm that develops due to abnormal impulses originating in the ventricles. Due to the rapid heartbeat, the ventricles do not fill and contract properly Ventricular tachycardia is a life-threatening condition
- Ventricular fibrillation Ventricular fibrillation occurs when the ventricles 'quiver' instead of pumping blood due to rapid, chaotic impulses. This serious condition can be fatal if normal heart rhythm is not restored within a few minutes
People with ventricular fibrillation often have heart disease or have experienced serious trauma, such as being struck by lightning.
When the heart rate is too fast, the heart may not be able to pump blood efficiently throughout the body As a result, organs and tissues will lack oxygen This can cause the following signs and symptoms associated with tachycardia:
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling like your heart is racing
- Rapid pulse
- Heart palpitations (uncomfortable, irregular heartbeats and feeling like your heart is racing)
When to see a doctor
Many conditions can cause a fast heart rate and symptoms of tachycardia It is important to make a quick and accurate diagnosis See your doctor if you or your child has symptoms of tachycardia
In case of prolonged heart failure, shortness of breath or chest pain, call an ambulance within a few minutes.
